FDA extends comment period on 'healthy' food labeling to April 26

The FDA has extended the comment period on the use of the term 'healthy in food labeling from January 26 to April 26.

“We have received requests to extend the comment period,” ​said the agency on December 30.​​ “The requests conveyed concern that the current 120-day comment period does not allow sufficient time to develop meaningful or thoughtful comments to the questions and issues we presented in the notice.​

“We have considered the requests and are extending the comment period for 90 days, until April 26, 2017. We believe that a 90-day extension allows adequate time for interested persons to submit comments.​

"The FDA also intends to hold a public meeting to facilitate further dialogue on this topic."​

The agency is seeking answers to questions including:

What types of food, if any, should be allowed to bear the term ‘healthy?’

Should all food categories be subject to the same criteria?

Is ‘healthy’ the best term to characterize foods that should be encouraged to build good dietary practices or patterns? What other words or terms might be more appropriate (eg. ‘nutritious’)?

What nutrient criteria should be considered for the definition of the term ‘healthy?’